Atlanta Falcons Player: ‘Our linemen are punks’

The Atlanta Falcons have issues along the offensive line and it’s not just NFL analysts who have taken notice.

Following a season-opening loss to the New Orleans Saints Falcons coach Mike Smith called out his front five for failing to come to the aid of quarterback Matt Ryan after a late hit by Saints rookie safety Kenny Vaccaro.

By contrast when 49ers passer Colin Kaepernick was on the receiving end of a late hit from Green Bay Packers pass rusher Clay Matthews in Week 1 San Francisco’s linemen — led by Joe Staley — promised Kap: “We’re setting a precedent. No one is (expletive) hitting you late.”

Atlanta’s linemen offered no such call to arms leaving Smith to ask where the Staley moment was from his cast of blockers.